25 Best Game Boy Color Games of All Time

By the end of the 90s, the Game Boy was considered an old-timer with a lifespan of nearly a full decade at that point. Sure, it had revolutionized the handheld video game market beginning in 1989, but the console had seemingly reached the full limit of what it could do. Not even the release of a smaller, more compact Game Boy in the form of the Game Boy Pocket could delay the inevitable. Then, after almost a decade in monochrome, color came to the Game Boy with the Game Boy Color.

Launching in October 1998, the Game Boy Color proved to be a ferocious shot in the arm for Nintendo’s ancient portable. Combined with an obscure title called Pokémon, which was just beginning to dominate the cultural landscape in the west by this point, the Game Boy Color was a huge success. The system extended the run of the Game Boy by several years, with developers proving there was still some life left when you added something as simple as some color. Let’s celebrate this memorable chapter in the system’s history with a look at the best Game Boy Color games.

 

The Best Game Boy Color Games

25. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Developer: Griptonite
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: November 16th, 2001

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone might be the most surprising entry of them all. Games based on movie licenses are famously uneven at best. Harry Potter in particular has been the foundation for a library of numerous games across several consoles, and most of them are absolute crap. The Game Boy Color edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in particular (it was also released to PC and consoles) has received praise for being one of the exceptions, and it doesn’t take long playing the game to appreciate this.

Presented as a traditional RPG, the game has players controlling Harry as he begins his time at Hogwarts. You’ll go through basically the plot of the story, gaining experience to build up your levels. It’s extremely well-executed and surprisingly deep for the GBC. Even if you haven’t the slightest interest in the story of a twitchy, nerdy jock, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on the Game Boy Color is worth playing.

 

24. Toki Tori

Developer: Two Tribes
Publisher: Two Tribes
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: September 26th, 2001

Beyond cute graphics and engaging gameplay, Toki Tori tells the simple story of a baby chicken trying to find his missing family, doing so with a style that blends serious puzzle-solving with action game elements. You’ll travel across four worlds and some sixty levels, utilizing a variety of highly limited skills like building, teleportation, and even freezing stuff. It’s up to you to put these skills to work in the most intelligent way possible, often dodging an assortment of enemies because you will almost never be able to stop them directly. The game gives you space in the beginning to learn how things work but expect a sharp difficulty transition in short order.

Toki Tori is one of the most challenging GBC games of all time. It’s another hidden gem of sorts and is a must-play for anyone digging back into Nintendo’s iconic handheld. Certainly, the sort of action-platform puzzle game that will take you a long time to finish.

 

23. Warlocked

Developer: Bits Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: July 24th, 2000

The human armies of Queen Azarel are warring with the beast armies of Chief Zog in Warlocked. In this real-time strategy game from Bits Studios, you can choose to play as either of these armies across thirty missions. The usual demands of a real-time strategy title can be found here, such as careful resource management and strategic use of your forces. Building everything you need to be successful, as well as mastering complex combat mechanics are also part of the proceedings. This game comes with a pretty steep challenge and learning curve attached.

However, if you’re willing to be a little patient, and get used to everything Warlocked is throwing at you, there’s a 20+ hour playing experience to enjoy. Overall Warlocked is an extremely absorbing experience, and not even quibbles like the loopy A.I. of your soldiers (occasionally you may find yourself screaming at these aged, surprisingly varied pixels) can ruin the day.

 

22. Mega Man Xtreme 2

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: October 30th, 2001

Mega Man Xtreme 2 received praise at the time of its 2001 release for being a substantial improvement over the previous entry. A portable Mega Man X experience sounded great on paper, and it was the sequel’s ability to juggle elements from four different X games that made for a Game Boy Color experience that did justice to the characters and story. Everything you could want from a Mega Man X game is here for the taking. Control X or Zero across several stages in which you must defeat the Maverick robot enemies, while solving the mystery of why Reploids are breaking down and “losing their souls.”

Obviously not as deep (or confusing) as the SNES/PS1 Mega Man X games, Mega Man Xtreme 2 nevertheless sees Capcom maintaining the graphics, sounds, controls, and difficulty that made this series a worthy successor to the original Mega Man titles in the first place. Completists aren’t the only ones who should keep Mega Man Xtreme 2 in their GBC libraries.

 

21. Bomberman Quest

Developer: Eleven
Publisher: Hudson Soft
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: November 1999

Bomberman has been around for a very, very long time. Bomberman Quest for the Game Boy Color is among the many examples of why these games have almost always done well. The best Bomberman games keep the expected formula, the strategic placing of bombs in various arenas in the name of destroying your enemies, and Bomberman Quest is no exception in this regard. Our titular hero doesn’t forget what people are expecting from him, but there’s also the fact that the best Bomberman games also find ways to spice up the norm. Bomberman Quest again succeeds.

Instead of chaotic combat in a series of arena stages, Bomberman Quest instead works as an action RPG that uses the gameplay of placing bombs and running like hell to ingenious perfection. It never fails to be enjoyable, but the game also includes a battle mode that lets you enjoy the fundamentals without any extra frills. Either version is the character at his best.

 

20. Mr. Driller

Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: August 2nd, 2000

With a lineage going back to the iconic Dig Dug series, Mr. Driller presents a simple premise with an ingenious execution and visually pleasing characters. Combining quick thinking with meticulous planning, this puzzle game saw a wide range of console releases in 1999 and 2000. The Game Boy Color edition impressively stood out alongside entries for the PlayStation and Sega Dreamcast.

Without ever getting too frustrating or too easy, Mr. Driller is one of the most enjoyable, engaging puzzle games released to the Game Boy Color. Losing a few hours to this game’s bright graphics and relentless challenge is pretty easy.

 

19. Crystalis

Developer: SNK
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: June 26th, 2000

Crystalis was a solid indication that the Game Boy Color had the ability to look and play nearly as well as the NES. That’s an impressive achievement for the little system, although obviously this port of the Nintendo classic Crystalis has some limitations. You’re not likely to notice these limitations however, as you’ll probably be too busy enjoying one of the best RPGs of the 8-bit era.

The top-down style of Crystalis looks great here. The game isn’t perfect in its action RPG execution, but it still presents a comprehensive and ultimately engrossing experience. Crystalis is an easy title in this genre to simply pick up and play.

 

18. Survival Kids

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: October 1999 (exact release date unknown)

Also known as Stranded Kids in the UK, Survival Kids might call to mind overhead action RPGs like The Legend of Zelda. As a young boy stranded on a mysterious island, it becomes your job to not only survive your surroundings but manage the day-to-day challenges of simply keeping yourself alive and functional. It becomes imperative to drink water, eat food, and get some rest. These actions quickly become a critical element of this title’s compelling gameplay.

The use of a clever “Merge” system also helps Survival Kids to stand out as something unique. This is an IP that hasn’t seen much attention in recent years, and that’s really too bad. If Konami is looking to start up some of their franchises again, this one makes a lot of sense.

 

17. Rayman

Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: March 29th, 2000

Before he was upstaged by those wretched Minion-like Rabbids, Rayman as a character had a perfectly respectable run of platformers for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and even the Atari Jaguar. The Game Boy Color edition of Rayman sticks as closely as possible to the formula established with the first game’s release in 1995. You’ll hunt for power ups, manage tricky platforming situations, and do everything in your power to stop the sinister Mr. Dark for good.

Rayman specifically on the Game Boy Color can be immensely frustrating at times, but with impressive replay value and a general sense of fun that draws you in. Rayman’s GBC outing is not a perfect port, but still very solid given the challenges.

 

16. Legend of the River King

Developer: Natsume
Publisher: Natsume
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: August 1998 (exact release date unknown)

Originally released for the original Game Boy in 1997, the endlessly charming Legend of the River King received a stellar Game Boy Color update just a couple of years later. The last thing you want to do is assume this fishing game, developed by the same company responsible for the Harvest Moon franchise, is simply a fishing game. While that’s obviously a big part of the proceedings, Legend of the River King aspires to offer a deeper experience.

For the most part, Legend of the River King succeeds admirably in this regard. Dealing with monsters, supply challenges, and other factors all create a marvelous game that regrettably comes to an end much too soon.

 

15. Bionic Commando: Elite Forces

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: January 26th, 2000

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces doesn’t forget the core concepts of why Bionic Commando was a hit with both arcade and NES fans. Elite Forces keeps the element of presenting players with a substantial challenge by forcing them to use their bionic arm for all their platforming needs but throws in two characters with slightly differing play experiences, some great sniper sequences, and the usual high degree of difficulty the Bionic Commando franchise is known for.

The learning curve behind Bionic Commando: Elite Forces can be a bit much for younger players, but old-school NES fans already know what they’re in for. A truly excellent Bionic Commando release and one of the best Game Boy Color games.

 

14. Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: April 9th, 2001

King Dedede is once again trying to make life difficult for everyone around him, and only Kirby can save the day. There’s nothing groundbreaking in the plot of Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble, but the little pink platforming hero, whose career began on the original Game Boy 8 years prior, is in fantastic form on this Game Boy Color release all the same.

It’s easy to pick up and get the hang of Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble, which has players using tilting and moving their GBC to move Kirby in ball form along the various challenges and stages the game presents. Getting this game completely down is another matter. Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble can be unforgiving in the best way possible.

 

13. R-Type DX

Developer: Irem/Bits
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: June 1999 (exact release date unknown)

R-Type DX refers to “Deluxe” and not “D-Generation-X.” That would have been an interesting hybrid of things that were very popular in 1999, the year this game was released. This updated and distinctly improved remake of two original Game Boy games was a case of serious ambition for the relatively much smaller Game Boy Color. What we got was nothing short of fantastic, with a brilliant shooter getting lavish and entertaining treatment on the portable color console.

There’s a shocking amount of depth to be enjoyed with R-Type DX. The game is easily accessible for those who don’t play these sorts of games very often, but the challenge and higher difficulty settings will put even the most dedicated players through their paces.

 

12. Harvest Moon 2 GBC

Developer: Natsume
Publisher: Natsume
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: November 7th, 2000

Harvest Moon was the definitive adorable farming/life simulator until Animal Crossing came along. The series hit some of its best notes in this particular period, with Harvest Moon 2 being arguably the best of the three releases the Game Boy Color received. The series hits a level of refinement here that makes plunking a few hours into Harvest Moon 2 seem like the easiest thing in the world.

While admittedly a little more dated than most, Harvest Moon 2 is still a stellar example of the Game Boy Color being able to offer a life simulation experience surprisingly faithful as often as possible to the SNES original. It’s not without frustration, but Harvest Moon 2 is still cute and compulsory.

 

11. Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors

Developer: Banpresto
Publisher: Infogrames
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: November 8th, 2002

A turn-based card game on the Game Boy Color doesn’t sound very exciting, even if it has a title as immediately attention-grabbing as Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors. While it might be difficult to imagine a Dragon Ball Z game that’s not a fighting title, Legendary Super Warriors surprises you again and again with its fascinating hybrid genres. Not only is the game as visually pleasing as any card game could hope to get, it’s also an absolute blast to play.

Even if you’re not someone who considers themselves a fan of turn-based games, card games, or both of those things, Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors is worth your time. It manages to use its unique mechanics in a way that still feels like Dragon Ball Z, and one of the most underrated video game adaptations of the legendary franchise, too.

 

10. Donkey Kong Country

Developer: Rare
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: November 20th, 2000

As impressive as the Game Boy Color was by the year 2000, when Donkey Kong Country for the handheld was released, no one expected the system to flawlessly replicate the 1994 SNES hit. Having said that, there’s a lot to be impressed with here. The game is visually strong given the honest limitations of the GBC, and at least gets close to looking much like it did on the Super Nintendo six years prior.

Donkey Kong Country for the Game Boy Color is also a lot of fun to play. The controls are simplified but responsive, and the game’s wildly swinging pendulum of stroke-inducing difficulty remains more intact than you might think. There’s even some genuinely enjoyable bonus content.

 

9. Lufia: The Legend Returns

Developer: Neverland
Publisher: Natsume
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: September 20th, 2001

Natsume unquestionably had a fantastic run on the Game Boy Color, bringing 8-bit quality JRPGs and other titles like Lufia: The Legend Returns to the system. With a unique battle system and an unexpectedly complex narrative, this would be the third release in the series. It’s largely forgotten today by everyone except the most dedicated and aging JRPG enthusiasts. That’s a shame. Lufia: The Legend Returns is everything you could want from a JRPG on the go.

Lufia: The Legend Returns will throw some extremely challenging dungeons your way. The 3×3 battle formation pattern you work with, featuring nine characters in play at any given time, only heightens this satisfying difficulty.

 

8. Dragon Warrior III

Developer: Tose
Publisher: Enix
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: July 7th, 2001

Dragon Warrior III features relatively stunning graphics and sound, a new dungeon, a new character class, and a bunch of new monsters. To a certain point this JRPG classic, originally released for the NES a full decade earlier, feels and even plays like a completely different game. Even though it’s technically a port of a Super Famicom release, Dragon Warrior III for the Game Boy Color actually manages to add a few more bells and whistles that really help to modernize it.

Anyone who considers themselves to be a big fan of JRPGs should make it a point to play this version in some form or fashion. If you can get your hands on the Game Boy Color version, you’ll be playing an absolute classic.

 

7. Shantae

Developer: WayForward
Publisher: Capcom
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: June 4th, 2002

The Game Boy Color was near the end of the line by 2002 when Shantae was released, as the Game Boy Advance had become the primary focus of Nintendo’s handheld console attention. Yet the system was still putting out some great games 2 years into the new millennium. Shante deserves love just for how beautiful this game still looks after 20+ years.

The sprites for Shantae are still unique and engaging, to say the least, as they honestly don’t look they’ve aged a day. The backgrounds and color are vibrant and magnificent at creating an exciting and memorable world. A platformer with some unique touches, Shantae is still going strong to this day, with a game released as recently as 2019.

 

6. Wario Land III

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: May 30th, 2000

We’re not going to go so far as to call Wario Land III a Metroidvania game. Still, the game does have elements of Metroid backed into its ludicrous character designs and wacky, sarcastic story. Wario can be the most entertaining character in the room, and the depth and varied cleverness of Wario Land III shows us how and why.

Something particularly great about Wario Land III is its inclusion of special abilities, which will have you returning to previously finished levels to look for new paths and treasures. You’re going to have a pretty comprehensive understanding of this game’s map and its challenging level designs before it’s all said and done — and you’re going to want to dive right back in all over again.

 

5. Mario Golf

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: October 5th, 1999

Mario Golf was a surprisingly popular game for the Nintendo 64. The Game Boy Color port is no different but manages to utilize the limitations and possibilities of the GBC to create something that’s quite special. Personality abounds in Mario Golf, from the RPG elements, to the excellent graphics and sound, and even considering the cute, fun story.

Mario Golf succeeds as both a game you can pick up and play in just a few minutes, and as a deeper game that will keep you busy for longer than you might think. To combine both of those gameplay approaches in a single title is impressive. Mario Golf even manages to be pretty faithful to the game of golf itself for purists, whereas later entries went a little wild with the concept.

 

4. Metal Gear Solid

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: April 24th, 2000

The fact that Metal Gear Solid, one of the many, many Metal Gear games we’ve been treated to over the years, doesn’t make the top 3 doesn’t mean that it’s only some handheld spin-off. It’s just that the Game Boy Color’s library really was that strong. This was a period in which Nintendo was really showing off what they could do with a handheld system that had a little more power behind it.

In no way is this alternate version of the PlayStation juggernaut, also known as Metal Gear: Ghost Babel, a copy of that game exactly, as it’s more like a continuation of the original Metal Gear games. However,  there’s still a lot that can be done with gameplay, atmosphere, and even character design, especially on such a small screen. On all those fronts, and for being bold enough to imagine a different continuity in the already wild Metal Gear timeline, Metal Gear Solid is a winner on the Game Boy Color.

 

3. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: May 10th, 1999

Super Mario Bros. Deluxe promises the legendary NES original with some essential and decidedly pleasing bonus features thrown in for good measure. What players got was a game that offered enough updates to the classic to make it worth the time of new and experienced fans alike. The Mario vs. Boo mode alone is a ton of fun, but there’s also Super Mario Bros. For Super Players, a feature that is basically a remake of The Lost Levels.

You’re getting a pretty definitive piece of Mario history in one considerable package with Super Mario Bros. Deluxe. Besides offering so much playability, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe also features the ability to save your game, which is a lifesaver on Super Players. If you want the definitive version of the classic Mario experience, this may just be it.

 

2. Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal

Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: October 15th, 2000 (Gold & Silver), July 29th, 2001 (Crystal)

We might be talking about three games, and while you can certainly play any of these Pokémon games on their own, you won’t be getting the whole experience. Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal feature some of the best creature designs in the franchise, as well as some interesting improvements, such as breeding and real-time clocks, that only add to the experience of traveling the world and catching Pokémon. For some fans, this generation represents the very pinnacle of what these games have to offer.

Whether or not your love of these games goes that far, you can’t deny that Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal are easy to get into. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a fan, you can’t help but get absorbed as you travel across Johto.

 

1. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons

Developer: Flagship
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Release Date: May 13th, 2001

“Quirky” was the word of the decade for Zelda fans. In addition to a very good remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Color also got two games that create a single, almost breathtaking experience once paired together. Amazingly, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons provided even more entertainment for fans at a time when Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask had cemented the Zelda series as one of the biggest game franchises in the world.

Oracle of Ages and Seasons wasn’t just the same game with some minor differences, as they’re both completely different campaigns with unique dungeons. They weren’t even fully developed by Nintendo, which was quite the rarity, as Flagship (often confused with Capcom) stepped up to put their spin on the formula. A unique password system even enabled you to experience both games as a complete playing and narrative experience. It was a bold move that paid off for Nintendo and The Legend of Zelda, and one that deserves more recognition.

READ NEXT: Where to Buy The Nintendo Switch OLED: Mario Red Edition